Palm Weaving and Braiding

palm branches

I’ve always been fascinated with the art of palm weaving and braiding, even though it’s something that I am terrible at! (I included it in my 40 Ideas for 40 Days). During one of the years that I was a parish DRE, I discovered that one of my catechists was an expert palm-weaver and braider. Just like that, we put together the easiest intergenerational event in history. After Mass on Palm Sunday, we invited families to come to the parish hall for coffee and donuts and a demonstration of palm weaving and braiding. The catechist gave directions and then sent out a crew of teens to walk around the hall to assist people as they braided their palms. We then gave some hints on places in the home where the palms could be displayed. It was a joyful event (with an overflow crowd) with very low “overhead” since the palms are part of the day’s liturgical celebration.

Here are two links to sites that provide background and demonstrations on palm weaving and braiding:

Catholic Inspired
Blessed Palms in the Home

 

About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

1 Comment

  1. Great post, and just in time, Joe.
    I also like this site: http://www.palmweaving.net/

    Gene Fedeli, originally from Rockford, is the guy who taught me how to do this years ago. His fountains and sprays made from full palm branches for the altar and Palm Sunday procession are spectacular. It’s a wonderful tradition.

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